Applying for State Funded Support 

In Illinois, the first step in the process to access state funded support services would be to contact the regional independent case-coordination service to complete what is known as a "Pre-Admission Screening". 

You can go to the Illinois Developmental Disability website for additional information and to find the Admissions agency closest to your home.  You may also contact Avenues to obtain this information.

The screening will evaluate medical, social, psychological, educational and other clinical needs. Individuals must qualify for federal Medicaid funding in order to receive state support. This means that a clinical finding of a developmental disability with deficits in at least three of the five major review areas must be diagnosed. 

Additionally, the person with a disability will have their financial status reviewed to determine eligibility. Prior to this review, it is imperative for families to consider special needs trusts and other financial planning that would ensure eligibility for the family member with a disability. Trusts and other financial plans should be in place at least 24 months before the screening process begins. 

Individuals interested in residential services should begin the application sooner rather than later.  Obviously, this choice is entirely up to the individual or family. Many prefer to live with their families for support, others choose to move and live on their own. Factors such as age, how independently the individual functions, age and health of the care-givers, and need for independence must be considered. The current limited status of State funding requires families to start as soon as is practical. 

It is important to remember that openings are not always available in a preferred geographic area, agency or facility. If a person/family has a preference, it is important to start looking sooner, and be willing to accept placement earlier should an appropriate opening become available. Emergency placements due to loss of a caregiver are difficult and unfortunately can involve less individual/family choice. 

Once eligibility is determined, the case coordination service will work with the family to make a choice of service providers. Once a match is determined, the process to obtain state-funding will begin.

Types of Residential Support Options